Growing Innovation in Rural Sites of Learning

Webinar #7 – Transitioning Students with Special Needs

through Community Partnerships

Linda Dolezsar, School District #51 (Boundary )

Linda Farr Darling, UBC

April 29, 2013

*Agenda and Timeline

*The Context: Growing Innovation*Connecting: Growing Innovation Planning

Principles*Processing: Project example:

- Transitioning Special Needs Students into the Community (School District #51)*Transforming: Questions, connections and

applications

* The Context:Growing Innovation

in Rural Sites of Learning

unique partnership between the University of Education, the Ministry of Education and educators in several rural school districts.

conceptualized in February, 2011, by members of the Rural Education Advisory Committee through the office of the Eleanor Rix Professor of Rural Teacher Education.

Strength-based: designed to celebrate, support and shine a light on some of the many unique teaching practices across B.C. that are innovative and collaborative.

We have defined innovation as a “unique response to a local need, issue or interest”.

18 projects (from 61 applications) funded in 2011-2012, and met 4 key criteria:a) an inquiry was focused on addressing a local issue, need or interestb) links were made to researchc) student outcomes were articulatedd) a community engagement strategy was identified.

* Context: Growing Innovation in Rural Sites of Learning

* Grassroots Approach:B.C. Ed Plan and Growing Innovation

1) Personalized learning for every student 2) Quality teaching and learning 3) Flexibility and choice 4) High standards 5) Learning empowered by technology

* Commitment to “Growing” Innovation:

Notice our symbol…

Growth through implementation of several catalysts for learning:1. Website (www.ruralteachers.com):

a) clickable map, which leads to further detail on all projects including artifacts.b) video gallery, with 5 videos posted and 2 more

to follow.c) webinar resources & information on upcoming

webinars

2. Upcoming webinars/symposia/news events follow @ruralteachers on twitter

hashtag: #growinginnovation

EngageCommunit

y

Practice Place-

Conscious

Learning

NurturePurposeful

Student Engagemen

t

CultivateCollaborati

ve Partnershi

ps

EmbedResearch & Inquiry

5 frames for thinking and planning…

Planning Principles

*for engagement

Planning principlesAs you listen to Linda, consider ways that the 5 planning principles are being addressed

3-2-1 (individuals and teams)3 things that resonated2 questions1 potential application

*Inquiry Question: Will a combination of community partnerships, technology, and functional curricula provide the basic skills that support increased independence and personal goal setting for youth with special needs?*Context: Rural community of 600 and 6

secondary students with moderate to profound special needs*Objective 1: Develop community partnerships

where students with special needs can build their collaborative, creative, and problem solving skills through real-life experiences*Objective 2: Develop and compile meaningful

functional curricula using a blended learning approach of interactive technology and guided school simulations

*First Steps

*Locate two community partners*Meet to discuss prerequisite skills*Develop time frame for community work*Teach prerequisite skills using functional

curricula and a blended learning approach*Develop performance skill rubrics for each

community setting and partner survey*Introduce students to settings

*Social Skills for Community

*Personal care and attire (Daily self-check)*Making introductions & greetings*Having conversations*Following directions*Getting a person’s attention politely*Asking and answering questions*Making an apology*Manners and etiquette

Curriculum for McMynn’s Grocery

Number recognitionCalendar conceptsDate formats (1/12/13; 3/13, etc.)Expiration and code conceptsRecyclingFacing and stocking concepts (specific employment skill)

*At McMynn’s

*Curriculum for the Manor

*Table setting*Pouring and serving hot and cold

beverages*Food serving*Coffee maker and kettle use*Basic food preparation (cut, stir, peel,

pour)*Elevator use*Mapping skills

Serving Food at the Manor

*Using the elevator

*Community Partner and

Parent Survey Results

Results show top 3 skills in each area:*Social – Personal hygiene, courteous

manners, and following simple directions.*Technology – Use of Internet, Internet

safety, and simple word processing.*Community work – Working with limited

supervision, understanding arrival and ending times, working cooperatively alongside co-workers (pleasant, cooperative attitude).

*Additional Outcomes

*Community partners deepened their understanding that youth with special needs make unique and long-lasting contributions to the community through the development of their personal skills and independence. *Students improved their ability to

communicate and take directions from others outside of school; increased their understanding of what happens in a business setting; and developed skills for their future.

*Student Comments

*Sustainability

2012-2013:*Students have continued to work in the

community, further developing important lifelong community skills.*The new teacher is using functional

curricula developed and also purchased through the grant.*Technology continues to be embedded

through a blended learning approach.

*Transforming:Connections and Reflections

3- things that were compelling for you

2- questions or connections

1 – application to your setting

*“Growing” Innovation

*We invite you to:a) visit www.ruralteachers.comb) share information re: webinars in your districts and take part if interestedc) view the videos included on the website and use as catalysts for dialogue and planningc) contact project leaders directlyd) share other examples of innovation to broaden our community

* “Growing” Innovation:Catalysts for Learning

Catalyst #1 - Website (www.ruralteachers.com)Catalyst #2 - WebinarsCatalyst #3 - Video gallery (5 videos posted on website; 2 to follow, including discussion frame for use at staff meetings, pro d days, conversations, etc.)Potential Catalysts: virtual and face to face learning rounds and regional symposia; UBC learning symposium (May, 2013)

District or school initiated visits to project sites.The Rural Education Advisory Committee is open to

hearing about other innovations and connecting rural educators: contact Linda or Pat)

Growing InnovationCONTACTS

Linda Dolezsar (linda.dolezsar@sd51.bc.ca )

Pat Dooley (pat.dooley2010@gmail.com

Linda Farr Darling (Linda.Darling@ubc.ca)

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